Council Bluffs, IA – The largest progressive group of veterans in America, with over 360,000 supporters, VoteVets.org, is today continuing its campaign of powerful new television ads in Iowa and Nebraska, aimed at protecting the bipartisan Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). The ad buy is nearly $115,000 for one week of time in Cedar Rapids, Council Bluffs, and Omaha Nebraska, as well as in Washington, D.C., where it will be seen by decision makers on the issue. Previously, the group ran a $110,000 television ad buy in Des Moines and Washington, DC on the issue.

Today’s ads both feature an Iraq War Veteran, Michael Connolly, making the case that gutting the Renewable Fuel Standard would allow for a greater flow of oil dollars to our enemies, who use that money for weaponry that has targeted our troops. Connolly, who served in Iraq from 2007 to 2008, lived in Glenwood, Iowa from 2010 to 2012, and now lives just across the border, in Nebraska.

NEW AD IN IOWA

The ad in Cedar Rapids and Council Bluffs begins with a massive explosion in front of a military convoy. Connolly says, “I did two tours in the Middle-East…and let me tell you, I saw a heck of a lot, like how billions in oil profits found their way to some of the same terrorists we were fighting against. Investing in renewable energy like the kind here in Iowa can help stop that. It means more American jobs and less oil money going to enemies who threaten our national security. Tell the EPA to stand up to Big Oil…don’t cut the Renewable Fuel Standard.”

The ad in Omaha opens with a massive explosion in front of a military convoy. Connolly says, “War is dangerous. I know. I was there. Now, people ask me all the time how they can support the troops.” Holding a yellow ribbon, Connolly says, “By putting one of these on your car? Sure…” And then in front of an ethanol gas pump, “By putting this in your tank? Even better… More renewable fuels, like the kind grown here in Nebraska, means we use less foreign oil. And that means less money for our enemies. But the oil companies are trying to kill renewable fuels.”

The facts back up Connolly’s words. Although the United States often does not directly buy oil from hostile nations, like Iran, America’s dependence on oil drives up demand, and prices of oil on the world market, which benefits all oil-rich nations. Those oil dollars allowed Iran, for instance, to produce and ship Explosively Formed Penetrators (EFPs) to Iraqi insurgents, who used them to target our troops.1

Additionally, the U.S. Department of Energy estimates for every one billion gallons of ethanol produced, 10,000 to 20,000 jobs are added to our domestic economy.2

According to the Iowa Corn Growers Association, the ethanol Industry supports around 55,000 jobs in Iowa, and accounts for $5.4 billion of Iowa’s GDP.3 Gutting the RFS would threaten the development of next generation biofuels, including cellulosic ethanol plants in Iowa scheduled to start operation next year. Rather than using kernels of corn, these advanced plants will make the fuel from the “biomass” of various low-value plant material including corn stalks and wood chips.3

According to the Nebraska Corn Board, “a typical 100 million gallon ethanol plant adds on average 50 jobs in the community where it is located, purchases about 37 million bushels of corn from local farmers and produces about 320,000 tons of distillers grains (dried equivalent). It also generates nearly $4.5 million in tax revenue.”4

VoteVets.org is one of the groups leading the way in calling for the EPA to protect the RFS, and is urging its members and supporters to, as well. Along with a coalition of groups, VoteVets.org is collecting petition signatures from everyday Americans who want to see us reduce our dependence on foreign oil, protect our troops, and create jobs.

Founded in 2006, and backed by over 360,000 supporters, the mission of VoteVets.org is to use public issue campaigns and direct outreach to lawmakers to ensure that troops abroad have what they need to complete their missions, and receive the care they deserve when they get home. VoteVets.org also recognizes veterans as a vital part of the fabric of our country and will work to protect veterans' interests in their day-to-day lives. VoteVets.org is committed to the destruction of terror networks around the world - with force when necessary - to protect America. While non-partisan, the group is the largest progressive organization of veterans in America.